Professional Comment and Legal Views – Page 18
-
Professional
The importance of visible support for Pride month
I find myself getting frustrated around this time of year (Pride month) at campaigners complaining about so-called ‘rainbow washing’.
-
Professional
Businesses need economic help
This month, chancellor Rishi Sunak’s business rates holiday extension comes to an end, albeit with a partial continuation benefiting just small businesses. However, ‘Freedom Day’ has now been postponed, social distancing continues and some sectors are still unable to open.
-
Professional
What does the National Security and Investment Act 2021 mean for real estate?
The National Security and Investment Act 2021 introduces a new regulatory landscape for overseas and domestic investors and will significantly increase the government’s ability to scrutinise investments on national security grounds.
-
Professional
Effective preparation is vital for a successful office return
Space management, online connectivity and cybersecurity procedures are key factors for a smooth return.
-
Professional
The value of carbon storage is rising
There has been a perceptible shift in how people are looking at land. It has been dubbed the ‘Thunberg effect’ and, as a result, the profile of clients approaching us seeking land and forestry is changing.
-
Professional
Village greens pose a conundrum
The phrase ‘village green’ generally brings to mind the traditional image of dancing around the maypole in a quaint village on a summer’s day. In reality, the term has a more complex and potentially challenging meaning. For example, a village green may not be as easy to spot as the ...
-
Professional
Are fears of a post-30 June evictions rush misplaced?
Despite concerns over forfeiture proceedings, experts believe more landlords will negotiate with tenants.
-
Professional
What do recent judgments on rent obligations mean for landlords?
Judgments have been handed down awarding landlords summary judgment against their tenants for non-payment of rent during the Covid-19 pandemic, finally giving some judicial commentary on the defences raised by tenants regarding their rent obligations.
-
Professional
How will London Plan’s definition of tall buildings affect developers?
The purpose of the London Plan is to bring clarity and consistency, but in its tall buildings policy, the new London Plan does the reverse.
-
Professional
Will councils meet online again?
Virtual council meetings have been seen by many as a positive step towards the digitalisation of the planning process. In June 2020, 88% of Lawyers in Local Government (LLG) members surveyed were in favour of virtual council meetings.
-
Professional
A guide for future communities
Places for People has launched a new design guide in conjunction with global engineering and design consultancy Arup. The What makes great places for people? guide sets the scene for future communities – especially in a post-Covid world.
-
Professional
Landlords and tenants urged to focus on transparent dialogue
Following recent rulings in favour of tenants, experts advise landlords to be more flexible in their negotiations.
-
Professional
It's vital to design spaces with a wide range of needs in mind
MAIA’s arthouse project in Birmingham has been designed to allow for full accessibility and inclusivity.
-
Professional
Leisure set to drive London’s recovery
Like London’s iconic red buses, good things have a tendency to come in twos after a long wait. And following a 10-year period that saw London become the world’s premier destination city, the reverse is now regrettably true as well.
-
Professional
Positive company culture is key
The long period of working from home is at last coming to a close. And as the lockdown is finally loosened, workers are looking to head back to the office. But when they arrive, they will find that the very idea of working together in person will have changed.
-
Professional
What can landlords do to alleviate the rise of corporation tax in 2023?
The government announced in the Budget that corporation tax is set to rise. While this won’t happen until April 2023, the increase from 19% to 25% is certainly not insignificant for businesses operating in the property sector.
-
Professional
In-person training is important for graduate development
Looking forward, the training of juniors must be given high priority during flexi-working discussions.
-
Professional
Embracing a hybrid workstyle
Six months ago, we gave notice on our long-standing studio space. Moving was an opportunity to embrace a new hybrid style of working and reduce overheads, but what underpinned every single decision was the need to be flexible – including everything from IT and the studio lease to our phone ...
-
Professional
Moving beyond rent court action
Recent court decisions that have found in favour of landlords seeking rent arrears should not be seen as the only way forward in terms of repairing retail property revenue flows.
-
Professional
Can landlords benefit from recent Budget tax breaks?
For some in the built environment, it looked like the recent Budget did not offer much in the way of tax breaks for commercial property landlords.